7 Methods to Increase Task Productivity

Posted On 30 August 2022

Last updated on April 6th, 2024

When we are able to accomplish more tasks, or finish them quicker, we have more time to do the things we would rather do. A lot of the tasks in our lives could be completed by someone else, although in this post I am going to assume that we are not currently in the position to hire someone else to do these little tasks for us.

So, let’s move on to the seven methods we can use to increase our productivity!

1. Serial Tasking

Motto: “Line ‘em up, then knock ‘em down!”

This is not multi-tasking. Think Dominoes. No, not the pizza chain! When we stand them up, tip the first one over, then watch as the rest fall down.

Sometimes this is the best way to accomplish things. We can have so many things that need to be done that we can look at the list and start to feel overwhelmed.

If we simply get started with a task, we can then feel a sense of accomplishment. This in turn gives us energy and hope. We can then use this motivation to start another task.

2. Simultaneous Tasking (Multi-tasking)

Motto: “Doing only one thing at a time is boring!”

This is often viewed as a badge of honor in our current society. A post by the Cleveland Clinic discusses that multi-tasking is just switching back and forth really quickly between two (or more!) tasks.

We are not actually performing the multiple tasks at the same time. Sometimes we are able to effectively multi-task, although most of the time it is not an effective way to work. Whenever I get sucked into this productivity trap, I start to mix shit up!

This is my least favorite method for completing tasks (and it does not increase my productivity!). If I do try to keep attempting this madness, it takes longer because the other task has mutated to the undesirable status of an interruption. Now, I have to keep restarting my first task.

3. Parallel Tasking

Motto: “I can learn while driving by listening to an audio book.”

Multiple tasks that can be done at the same time without either task being negatively impacted your ability to do the other task. Take listening to an audio book while driving. We can transform a commute from a mindless task while listening to music to a learning experience.

Unlike with simultaneous tasking, when we engage in parallel tasking, we are do not have to switch back and forth between the tasks at hand.

 4. Task Integration

Motto: “This is like getting paid twice for doing the same thing!”

Task Integration is a term that I use to describe tasks that are similar or can be compatible enough that they can (and should) be done at the same time. An example of this would be inviting a friend to join us for a walk while walking our dog all at the same time! (This is accomplishing 3 things at the same time – social, exercise, pet care.)

Some of these tasks even depend on other tasks in order to be accomplished. Think of burning wood scraps in the backyard firepit. We can roast marshmallows and have some good family time while cleaning up the wood. Combining these activities tend to work better.

5. Task Stacking

Motto: “I’m the manager of my tasks!”

How the hell do we stack tasks?? We start a task that can then run on its own, then we start another task that can continue on its own. We can occasionally check on the previous task to see if it is ready for us to do more with it when we reach a stopping point in the current task we are working on.

This works great for some of the tasks around the house. A load of laundry can be started. Wash a load of dishes and let the dry in the rack. Check laundry. Sweep floors. Switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer. Start another load of laundry. Put away dry dishes and wash another load of dishes. Mop floors. Take a break while the dryer is finishing. Switch loads of laundry, and fold the dry load. Put dry dishes away.

We can increase our task productivity quite a bit through the use of task stacking. I would even say that sending an email out in the morning so the recipient has time to reply during the day. Whenever we have something that will take waiting from us, we should do it either early in the day, or at the end of the day. That way we don’t have to wait for it!

6. Gap Tasking

Motto: “I can clean the car while waiting for someone.”

When I have little gaps of time, my natural tendency has been to check what’s happening on my phone. You, too? Smart phones are a blessing and a curse. They allow us amazing resources, and they can also suck up our time.

This summer I started carrying glass cleaner, ArmorAll, and a roll of paper towels in between the front seats of our van. While waiting with the dog for someone while they pick up a couple Items in a store, I can spend a few minutes cleaning the van!

Now, a vehicle can only be clean so much. A book can also be brought along to get some reading time in during these little moments that can be easily wasted. If we can learn to use these little moments for something productive, we can feel better about ourselves. Also, we can jot down ideas that come to us. If we don’t write them down, they may slip away forever.

7. Batch Your Tasks

Motto: “I only check my Email twice a day.”

We all have things we need to do – like checking email. Our aim should be to get our tasks done efficiently so we can allow ourselves to be present, and not constantly distracted. Doing tasks in batches allows us to be in control of tasks.

I mention email because it is something that most of us deal with, and it can suck up a lot of time while giving us minimal value. Don’t get me wrong, email is a great means of communication. We just don’t have to let it run our lives!

In the book Deep Work, Cal Newport talks about batching email. He only checks his email a few times per day – he is not constantly checking his email.

We Don’t Have to be Perfect

I am continually working on improving myself. All of these methods I have used, and I have tried multitasking things that do not work well together.